Layout device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is illustrated for laying out indicia patterns and the like on a workpiece such as a wide flange beam wherein a pattern plate is carried in superposed relation to the flange of the wide flange beam by suitable frame members which also carry means for maintaining the pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with the flange, including a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends with threadable means interconnecting upper end portions of the arms for adjustably fixing the distance between the lower ends of the arms so as to properly space inward projections carried by lower ends of the arms against the web of the wide flange beam so that indicia patterns may be laid out on the flange as the apparatus is moved longitudinally thereon.

United States Patent [191 Ludlam Apr. 1, 1975 22 Filed:

[ 1 LAYOUT DEVICE [76] lnventor: David C. Ludlam, 5828 McMillan Cir., Columbia, SC. 29210 Apr. 29, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 465,079

Primary E.\'aminerRichard E. Aegerter Assistant Examiner-Willis Little Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Bailey & Dority [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus is illustrated for laying out indicia patterns and the like on a workpiece such as a wide flange beam wherein a pattern plate is carried in superposed relation to the flange of the wide flange beam by suitable frame members which also carry means for maintaining the pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with the flange, including a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends with threadable means interconnecting upper end portions of the arms for adjustably fixing the distance between the lower ends of the arms so as to properly space inward projections carried by lower ends of the arms against the web of the wide flange beam so that indicia patterns may be laid out on the flange as the apparatus is moved longitudinally thereon.

7 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures LAYOUT DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Steel fabricators must often place rivet holes and the like in somewhat repetitive patterns on structural members having a flange carried by a web portion such as on a wide flange beam. These holes, or other attachment means for angles. stiffners, braces and the like on steel beams and colunms are commonly used in building construction requiring accurate and often sequential measurements on such flanges. It is generally the practice to simply measure and mark the locations at which such holes and adjustments are to occur preparatory to the use of a transfer center punch to facilitate drilling of the holes. Such measurements are time consuming. and due to human errors, result from tedious. repetitive work, often produce inaccurate marks or indicia patterns being laid out on the workpiece. While templates are sometimes used, it is often difficult to position them accurately and to execute the variety of the manipulations necessary in order to produce successive marks resulting in a proper indicia pattern.

Accordingly. it is an important object of this invention to provide a template. or indicia pattern which may be readily moved longitudinally of the workpiece maintaining proper alignment so as to facilitate the laying out of the indicia patterns as on steel structural members.

Another important object of the invention is to facilitate the fabrication of the steel structural members used in building construction by more accurately and with great speed and precision laying out the locations of the various attachment means.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive device which may be used over and over again in producing a variety of patterns along a lengthy structural member.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It has been found that apparatus for laying out indicia patterns employing a pattern plate or template may be constructed by utilizing opposed pairs of depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends by the template and extending downwardly on opposite sides thereof for positioning spaced tracking means maintaining proper spacing with respect to the web and interconnecting opposed arms by threadable members at the top for producing similar adjustment in the positioning of the lower ends of the arms for maintaining alignment and facilitating movement of the entire device along the flange and web portions of the structural member upon which a layout is being made.

The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described. together with other features thereof.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawing forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view illustrating a layout device constructed in accordance with the present invention positioned for use upon a wide flange beam, and

FIG. 2 is an end elevation further illustrating the layout device looking toward the left hand end of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The drawing illustrates apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like.

A pattern plate A overlies the flange in superposed relation thereto. Spaced frame members B carry the pattern plate for movement longitudinally of said flange. Means are provided for maintaining the pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with the flange including. a pair of opposed depending arms C pivotally carried intermediate their ends adjacent respective frame members on opposite sides of the flange. Threadable means D interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms. Inwardly projecting means E are carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of the web. Thus, turning of the threadable means varies the distance between the upper portions of each pair of depending arms moving the inwardly projecting means into engagement with said web on opposite sides thereof maintains longitudinal alignment of the pattern plate permitting successive indicia patterns to be laid out on the flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.

The workpiece is illustrated in the form of a wide flange beam broadly designated at 10 having upper and lower flanges 11 and 12 joined by the vertical web 13. The pattern plate A which overlies the upper horizontal flange 11 is fastened to the frame members B by any suitable fastening means such as counter sunk screws 14 (FIG. 2). The pattern plate, or template A includes holes or other indicia forming means in a predetermined pattern as illustrated at 15. The pattern plate further includes spaced viewing slots preferably having sight glasses with cross hairs as illustrated at 16. The holes 15' serve as guides for a transverse center punch when marking the workpiece. It will be observed that the sides 17 and 18 of the pattern plate are in alignment with the sides 11a and 11b respectively of the upper flange l1 and as illustrated the web 13 of the structural member is centrally disposed between the upper and lower flanges 11 and 12 respectively.

Means for providing a rolling engagement of the apparatus with the upper flange 11 includes spaced side frame members B. The spaced side frame members B carry spaced pairs of rollers 19. The rollers 19 are carried for rotation upon axles 20 which are supported by spaced brackets 21 suitably fastened as by welding to the transverse members 22 which forms the essential support members constituting the spaced frame members B. It will be observed that the rollers 19 are accommodated within notches or cutout portions 23 within the pattern plate A so as to space the pattern plate A above the flange 11 in superposed relation thereto.

The means for maintaining the pattern plate A in Iongitudinal alignment with the flange 11 preferably in cludes a pair of opposed depending arms C. It will be observed that the arms C are constructed of bifurcated members 24 and 25 which are pivoted intermediate their ends as upon pivot pins 26 carried by respective ends of the transverse frame portions 22. The bifurcated members 25 and 26 are maintained in spaced relation to permit a free pivoting action at the top as by internally threaded blocks 27 and by a shank portion 28 of an inwardly projecting arm 29 which form portions of the inwardly projecting means E which will be described in greater detail below. An auxialliary spacer 27a may be employed and carried by a suitable pin or other fastening means as illustrated at 278.

The threadable means D interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms C includes a threaded shaft 30 having left hand threads on one side thereof as illustrated at 30a aand right hand threads on the other side thereof as illustrated at 30b. The respective threaded portions are defined by a central portion 30c which is carried for rotation within a bearing block 31 which is in turn supported by a bracket 32 carried by the cross frame members 22. As previously indicated, the blocks 27 are internally threaded to accommodate the threads 30a and 30b respectively. A single adjusting screw 33 is fixedly carried by each of the threaded shafts 30 which may be turned as by a wrench to draw in and out the tapered upper end portions 24a and 25a of the bifurcated members 24 and 25 respectively forming upper portions of the arms C. By thus interconnecting opposed depending arms, a movement of the lower end of an arm on one side of the web 13 will ensure a commensurate movement of the lower end of the opposite arm C. The lower ends of the arms C, as illustrated at 34, may be provided with a plurality of spaced rows of spaced holes 34a to accommodate a pair of bolts 34b to accommodate the shank 28 of the inwardly projecting arm 29. Bolts 34b may be positioned as desired to obtain an approximate horizontal disposition for the inwardly projecting means E. The inner ends of the inwardly projecting means E are bifurcated to accommodate suitable rollers 35 for rota tion upon stub shafts 36. The rollers 35 are in rolling engagement with the web 13 of the wide flange beam, and together with the rollers 23 to accommodate the entire device to a rolling support upon the upper flange 11.

In operation. use of the apparatus is accommodated by positioning a tape measure 37 in alignment with the upper flange 11 so that the indicia may be read through the sight glasses 16 to properly locate the holes for producing the desired indicia pattern on layout upon the beam. Use of the device may be further facilitated as by the use of C clamps and the like, not shown, for fixing the pattern plate with respect to the flange ll preparatory to punching or otherwise placing indicia upon the upper surface of the flange.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. What is claimed is:

v '1. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising:

-a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto;

spaced frame members carrying said pattern plate for movement longitudinally of said flange;

means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange including;

a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends adjacent respective frame members on opposite sides of said flange;

threadable means interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms; and

inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of said web;

whereby turning of the threadable means varies the distance between the upper portions of each pair of depending arms moving said inwardly projecting means into engagement with said web on opposite sides thereof maintaining longitudinal alignment of said pattern plate permitting successive indicia patterns to be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said threadable means includes a threaded shaft threadably carried adjacent each end thereof by said upper portions of each arm, and an intermediate support carrying said shafts for rotation between said upper portions.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 including a pair of spaced wheels carried by each respective frame supporting said plate for rolling movement on said flange.

4. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising:

a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto;

means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange including;

a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends by said pattern plate on opposite sides of said flange;

means interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms; and

inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of said web;

whereby adjustment of the interconnecting means varies the distance between the upper portions of said depending arms moving said inwardly projecting means into engagement with said web on opposite sides thereof maintaining longitudinal alignment of said pattern plate permitting successive indicia patterns to be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said threadable means includes a threaded shaft threadably carried adjacent each end thereof by said upper portions ofeach arm, and an intermediate support carrying said shafts for rotation between said upper portions, and including a pair of spaced wheels carried by each respective frame supporting said plate for rolling movement on said flange.

6. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising:

a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto;

spaced frame members carrying said pattern plate for movement longitudinally of said flange;

means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange;

spaced openings in said pattern plate for guiding indicia producing means;

spaced viewing slots aligned with said openings in said pattern plate for reading a measuring device carried on said flange;

whereby successive indicia patterns may be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.

i 6 7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said threadable means interconnecting upper portions of means maintaining said pattern plate in alignment ineach pair of depending arms; and eludes: inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried of each pair of depending arms extending toward intermediate their ends adjacent respective frame 5 opposite sides of said web. members on opposite sides of said flange; 

1. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising: a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto; spaced frame members carrying said pattern plate for movement longitudinally of said flange; means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange including; a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends adjacent respective frame members on opposite sides of said flange; threadable means interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms; and inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of said web; whereby turning of the threadable means varies the distance between the upper portions of each pair of depending arms moving said inwardly projecting means into engagement with said web on opposite sides thereof maintaining longitudinal alignment of said pattern plate permitting successive indicia patterns to be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.
 2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said threadable means includes a threaded shaft threadably carried adjacent each end thereof by said upper portions of each arm, and an intermediate support carrying said shafts for rotation between said upper portioNs.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 1 including a pair of spaced wheels carried by each respective frame supporting said plate for rolling movement on said flange.
 4. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising: a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto; means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange including; a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends by said pattern plate on opposite sides of said flange; means interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms; and inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of said web; whereby adjustment of the interconnecting means varies the distance between the upper portions of said depending arms moving said inwardly projecting means into engagement with said web on opposite sides thereof maintaining longitudinal alignment of said pattern plate permitting successive indicia patterns to be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said threadable means includes a threaded shaft threadably carried adjacent each end thereof by said upper portions of each arm, and an intermediate support carrying said shafts for rotation between said upper portions, and including a pair of spaced wheels carried by each respective frame supporting said plate for rolling movement on said flange.
 6. Apparatus for laying out indicia patterns on a workpiece having a flange carried by a web and the like comprising: a pattern plate overlying said flange in superposed relation thereto; spaced frame members carrying said pattern plate for movement longitudinally of said flange; means maintaining said pattern plate in longitudinal alignment with said flange; spaced openings in said pattern plate for guiding indicia producing means; spaced viewing slots aligned with said openings in said pattern plate for reading a measuring device carried on said flange; whereby successive indicia patterns may be laid out on said flange as the pattern plate is moved longitudinally.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said means maintaining said pattern plate in alignment includes: a pair of opposed depending arms pivotally carried intermediate their ends adjacent respective frame members on opposite sides of said flange; threadable means interconnecting upper portions of each pair of depending arms; and inwardly projecting means carried by lower portions of each pair of depending arms extending toward opposite sides of said web. 